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Proposing marriage is a milestone that can cause so much stress and nail-biting that it could use a touch of Disney magic. Grooms-to-be worry about when, where and how to "pop the question" -- not to mention whether the answer will be "yes."
Enter the dream-makers from Walt Disney World Resort.
To help make the marriage proposal the kind of romantic occasion couples dream of, the Florida Vacation Kingdom has created an engagement package that simplifies the process and creates a fitting first chapter to a "happily-ever-after tale."
Center stage is Cinderella's Royal Table restaurant inside the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. Cinderella's Royal Table offers a fairytale dining experience that culminates in the marriage proposal.
Cast members actively participate in the experience, treating the couple as royal subjects throughout the meal. Oversized stained-glass windows, gothic arches and colorful hanging banners create a romantic and majestic ambience within the restaurant. And where better for a royal proposal than inside the storybook Cinderella Castle itself?
Following the meal, the restaurant staff serves up a surprise course on a rose petal-covered silver platter: a miniature glass slipper cradling the engagement ring.
So far this year, more than 80 proposals have occurred, and the service has been gaining popularity, with three to four engagements scheduled on an average week. During early fall and the holiday season -- considered the "busy seasons" for engagements at Walt Disney World Resort -- restaurant cast members host at least one engagement every day.
"These packages are set up to help ease the stress of the grooms-to-be -- they are normally very nervous," says Vincent Tai, area manager for the restaurant. "The team sets up everything for them. We try to make this experience as seamless as possible."
The process is simple. The proposing guest books a table for two at least seven days in advance, and on the big day simply provides an engagement ring. The Disney cast takes care of the rest.
After the couple enjoys their meal, the server brings a covered platter which holds the ring inside the sparkling engraved glass slipper. If the answer is "yes," the ultimate happy ending ensues with "sparkling" drinks and an optional special slipper dessert.
Assisting with marriage proposals at Cinderella's Royal Table began as a guest request. As the service gained popularity with guests, it became evident that a system was needed, so the restaurant introduced engagement packages.
"A lot of our guests are fans of princesses," says Tai. "They want to treat their bride-to-be like a royal princess. Cinderella's Royal Table is the perfect environment to begin a fairytale marriage."
The fairytale dining spot, featuring American cuisine with a royal flair, offers the engagement package over breakfast, lunch or dinner. Lunch and breakfast also feature meet-and-greets with Disney princesses and the Fairy Godmother. Package pricing includes entrees, drinks, the engraved crystal slipper, non-alcoholic "bubbly," decorated take-home flutes and other meal options based on the chosen package.
The special slipper dessert, offered with lunch and dinner packages, takes the form of a luxurious chocolate slipper filled with mousse and served on an angel food cake pillow with assorted berries.
Guests who desire a more private venue to pop the question may consider booking a romantic cruise -- either on Seven Seas Lagoon outside Magic Kingdom or on another Walt Disney World waterway. Guests can book a variety of watercraft: a private pontoon boat, a luxurious 45-foot Sea Ray yacht, or a reproduction of a 1930s mahogany Chris Craft Runabout. Fireworks cruises are also available during the nighttime spectaculars "Wishes" at Magic Kingdom and "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" at Epcot. Guests should call 407/WDW-PLAY to book a watercraft.
Walt Disney World Resort offers other assistance for those proposing marriage:
- The Walt Disney World Florist can provide the perfect full-service floral touch to make the moment even more magical. Guests can call 407/827-3505.
- Disney Event Productions Photography & Video can capture the big moment utilizing a professional photographer or videographer. Guests should call 407/827-5946.
- Guests can personalize their own engraved glass slipper, or other creations, hand-made by Arribas Brothers, fourth-generation crystal cutters and glass blowers at Downtown Disney.
To schedule a proposal using the Cinderella's Royal Table engagement package, guests may call 407/824-4477. For proposals during intimate dining experiences at other restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort, guests may contact 407/WDW-DINE.
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